Can the police help me?

[ajthurman91]

Hi there,
I bought a sub-woofer from a friend of mine at my old job. I had no use for it because I didn't have a car so an old friend of mine (Friend A) wanted to buy the sub-woofer off of me like 8 months ago. We agreed that either he or his dad would pay me $50 for it. I loaded it in the back of my other friends (Friend B) truck to take it to (Friend A)'s house and he took off with it telling me he will pay me later. He left for Job Corp and came back recently. I brought the situation up to him and he started playing stupid and saying he doesn't remember owing me money. I told him that I had a receipt for the original purchase of the sub-woofer to prove it is my property and that if he didn't either return the sub-woofer or my $50, I would involve the police. Is this threat legitimate? or will the police not be able to help in this situation?

Thanks for your help

[G35 Mass]

Civil matter. The police aren't here to resolve your business deals that have fallen through.

And you posted this in the wrong forum.

[Jim1348]

This is the bread and butter of Judge Judy and those type of shows. You have some sort of small claims or conciliation court in your area. You might consider filing an action there. Keep in mind that getting a judgment and collecting on a judgment are two very different things.

[marinepilot]

Civil matter. The police aren't here to resolve your business deals that have fallen through.

And you posted this in the wrong forum.

My answer exactly, thanks for saving me the typing.

Oh, and moved to the regular Ask-A-Cop forum since this has nothing to do with writing a story.

[scott715us]

Small claims in Chancery court or the other jurisdictional court involved in such matters. Nothing police can do about it.

[ET109]

...unless the merchandise is stolen goods.

[G35 Mass]

...unless the merchandise is stolen goods.

At which time I'd gladly charge OP with receiving stolen property.


OP, you want some help from a cop? Here you go: Don't do business with friends. Ever. And do it even less with family.

[Kimble]

...unless the merchandise is stolen goods.

Nothing from what the OP stated would suggest that's the case here.

As stated above, this is a civil matter, not a crime. You can sue "Friend A" in small claims court if you wish, but if you call the police they'll simply advise you again that it's a civil matter and they have no authority to get your belongings back (or prove it's yours in the first place). If you do pursue this through civil litigation be sure you still have the receipt. It's not absolute proof that the sub-woofer is/was yours, but it helps support your story.

[CPL1897]

Ill just add the fact that YOU MOST LIKELY WILL PAY CLOSE TO $50 or
MORE to file a claim in CIVIL COURT. You need to ask yourself if its worth it (paying to file then going to court etc. then you may still never see the money) If it was me I would cut
my losses...